Can Frenchies eat peanuts safely?
If you like snacking on peanuts, you might have wondered whether your Frenchie can derive the same benefits from them as you do.
Besides being tasty, these nuts are healthy treats for humans.
But are they safe for your Frenchie?
Read on to find out.
Can French Bulldogs eat peanuts?
Yes. French bulldogs can eat peanuts but in small portions since peanuts have a high-fat content, a risk potential to obesity. The nuts can also choke your French bulldog.
What about peanut butter?
If given in moderation, peanut butter is rich in vitamin E for a shiny coat; moreover, it has folic acid for cell repair and magnesium for breaking down B complex vitamins.
Peanuts Nutritional Facts
Peanuts are low in carbohydrates but rich in proteins and fat:
These three combined characteristics reduce the speed at which carbohydrates enter the bloodstream, making them suitable for diabetes.
Peanuts contain vitamins B3 and B9 for improved heart health and smooth pregnancy.
Phosphorus in peanuts is essential for tissue repair.
What Types of Peanuts Are Safe for My Frenchies to Eat?
Dry-roasted or raw, unsalted, unflavored, and uncoated peanuts are the best option for Frenchies.
Salted, caramelized, and coated peanuts have lots of sodium that cause gastrointestinal problems.
Homemade peanuts are safe since you can use ingredients that are okay with your dog and control the amount of oil and sodium.
How are peanuts good for Frenchies?
Energy boosters: Peanuts are rich in proteins and carbohydrates, packed with energy.
Calcium and iron: Peanuts contain calcium essential for strong bones and muscles and iron which boosts hemoglobin levels and reduces fatigue in dogs.
Tissue repair and maintenance: Peanuts contain phosphorus which aids in restoring tissues.
How Should You Feed Peanuts To Your Frenchies?
How to feed peanuts
- Use unprocessed peanuts
- Remove the shells
- Crush the peanuts to minimize the risk of choking
- Give your dog a few peanuts per day
Serving Ideas
- Put peanuts in a puzzle toy with the dog’s regular food
- Hide your Frenchie’s medicines in a spoonful of thick peanut butter
- Scatter the peanuts in the garden to encourage exercise for obese dogs
- Fill a camping tube with peanut butter to act as a reward- option during training sessions.
Easy and Fun Peanut recipes for Frenchies
Peanut butter shortbread cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups natural peanut butter
- ¾ cups of milk
- 2 cups oat flour
- ¼ cups tapioca flour
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees
- Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper
- Cream the peanut butter for three minute
- Add milk
- Add the flour gradually
- Roll out the dough and cut the cookies
- Bake for 15 minutes
- Serve at room temperature.
Risks of Feeding Your Dog Peanuts
Peanut toxicity for dogs?
Peanuts are high in fats; hence frequent consumption leads to obesity.
What Is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance used as a sugar substitute in toothpaste and some peanut butter.
Check Ingredients for Xylitol
Checking helps you avoid peanuts with xylitol as it is toxic.
Unsafe added ingredients
Peanut butter may contain harmful salt.
Choking hazard
Your dog can choke on peanuts. To minimize this, remove the shells and crush the peanuts.
Allergic reaction
Some dogs are allergic to peanuts. The symptoms to look out for include itching, agitation, and difficulty breathing.
Avoid Salted Peanuts
Salted peanuts have lots of sodium which can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Portion Control
You should give peanuts in small amounts as they contain lots of fats.
What’s Wrong with Raw Peanuts?
Raw peanuts may contain a toxic fungus, aflatoxin. Aflatoxin ingestion can lead to symptoms like lethargy and weakness.
Which Nuts are Good for Frenchies?
Chestnuts
These nuts are rich in antioxidants and minerals like magnesium and potassium, which lower the risks of heart problems.
Chestnuts are also rich in fiber which promotes the growth of healthy bacteria, thus boosting the digestion process; moreover, the high fiber ensures slow absorption of starch hence regulating the blood sugar levels.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are rich in omega-three fatty acids, antioxidants, and phenolic compounds that promote your dog’s heart health.
The antioxidant enzymes vitamin E and proanthocyanidins. in hazelnuts protect against cancer.
Cashews
Cashews contain heart-healthy fats and are rich in magnesium and zinc, which boost immunity.
Copper in cashews is essential for strong bones and muscles.
Although they are healthy, You should give cashews sparingly due to their high salt content, leading to stomach upsets.
Pistachios
Giving dogs pistachios in small portions is safe as they contain thiamine which is essential for brain functioning.
Furthermore, pistachios have vitamins K and B6, which aid in blood clotting and absorption of proteins and fats.
The nuts are also rich in fiber for better digestion, and manganese aids in digesting carbohydrates and proteins.
You should give pistachios unsalted and unshelled to reduce salt poisoning and to choke.
Pecans
These nuts are rich in healthy fats and proteins, which lower the cholesterol level in dogs. Consequently, low cholesterol promotes heart health.
Pecans are also packed with antioxidants which promote immunity by protecting the body from radicals that can cause cancer.
Additionally, the high fiber in pecans makes the digestion process more effortless and enables your dog to have regular bowel movements.
However, you should take caution when giving pecans to dogs due to their susceptibility to molds, leading to seizures and tremors.
Hickory nuts
Hickory nuts are not toxic to dogs; however, you should give them sparingly as they contain lots of fats which can cause obesity.
They are also not easy to chew and digest, posing a risk of choking and stomach upsets.
Nevertheless, these nuts contain carbohydrates which aid in energy production.
Proteins in hickory nuts promote growth and strengthen your dog’s bones.
Furthermore, hickory nuts have vitamin B6 and B1 for fast protein breakdown and proper functioning of the nervous system.
Which Nuts are Bad for Dogs?
Macadamia nuts
These nuts are poisonous to dogs. The agent of poisoning in macadamia is unknown, but consuming even an ounce of the nuts can be fatal.
The symptoms of macadamia poisoning in dogs include lethargy, ataxia, diarrhea, and weakness.
For more details, check my article on Can Frenchies Eat Macadamia Nuts Safely?
Almonds
Almonds, though not toxic, are harmful to dogs.
They are not only the potential to choke, but their high-fat content can also cause pancreatitis, obesity, and heart diseases.
The symptoms to look out for include lack of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea.
Brazil nuts
Their high-fat content makes them bad for dogs as they can lead to cardiovascular problems and obesity.
The nuts are also risky for smaller dogs as they can obstruct the airways.
The symptoms of Brazil nut poisoning include constipation, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and vomiting.
Pine nuts
They have lots of fats hence can make your Frenchie gain unhealthy weight thus exposing him to diseases like hypertension.
The high phosphorus levels in pine nuts increase the risks of urinary tract infections in dogs.
Can Frenchies eat peanut butter?
Yes. Frenchies can eat peanut butter; however, the butter should not contain harmful additives like xylitol and salt. Homemade butter is the best option as you can control the ingredients.
What peanut butter has xylitol?
Most store-bought peanut butter contains xylitol. Manufacturers add this toxic ingredient as a substitute for sugar. Always read the label for ingredients before buying any peanut butter for your Frenchie.
How much peanut butter can I give my dog?
Moderation is key. Peanut butter should be a treat. According to Neeness, treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. One spoonful of butter per day is okay.
Can Frenchies eat salted peanuts?
No. Salted peanuts contain sodium which causes gastrointestinal problems for your Frenchie. Consumption of sodium in large amounts also leads to high blood pressure, heart diseases, kidney diseases, and stroke.
Can Frenchies eat honey-roasted peanuts?
No. Honey roasted peanuts contain lots of sugar which pose a health risk for your Frenchie. High sugar intake is a good ingredient for diabetes, heart-related diseases, and canine obesity.
Dog sick after eating peanuts?
Consumption of peanuts in large amounts can make your dog sick due to the high fats. If your dog vomits or has an upset stomach, take them to the vet immediately.
Will dry roasted peanuts hurt Frenchies?
No. Dry roasted peanuts are safe for your dog. But make sure you remove the shells to reduce the risk of choking. Never add salt or sugar to the peanuts.
Is peanut butter healthy?
Yes. Unsalted and unflavored peanut butter is healthy for dogs as it is rich in folic acid for cell growth and repair and magnesium for breaking down B complex vitamins.
How many peanuts can my Frenchie have?
According to the American Kennel Club, a few peanuts are okay for your dog. Puppies can have two to three peanuts, while adults can enjoy five peanuts a week.
Can Frenchies Eat Peanuts: Final Thoughts
Peanuts are an excellent snack for Frenchies. Aside from being a powerhouse of healthy nutrients, peanuts are also good training tools for dogs.
However, you should not give them to your dog frequently or in large portions as they contain lots of fats which can cause health problems.
Remember that unsalted and unflavored peanuts are the best options for dogs. Sodium in salted peanuts causes health problems, while additives like xylitol are toxic.
You should also keep in mind that your dog can be allergic to peanuts; hence it is safe to consult the vet before introducing them.
